Posted on 01/26/2013 7:26:55 PM PST by DogByte6RER
A celebration of lethal flatware.
A new set of deadly eating-irons added for your pleasure and delectation.
The knife, fork and spoon shown in the picture all have built-in flintlock pistols. Note that the barrels point backwards, towards the user, so they're not designed for plugging your host if he makes impertinent remarks about your table manners. It is difficult to imagine a social gathering where it is appropriate to shoot off your own elbows.
The fork follows the pattern of the time; it looks pretty lethal on its own account.
These weapons carry the maker's mark F X RICHTER IN REICHEBERG and date from about 1715. The pistol frames are in bronze gilt, and the lockwork is unusual because it is entirely external.
The knife and fork here demonstrate escalation in table-top firepower. Knife and fork are both double-barrelled, each with one trigger and priming pan so that both barrels fire together. Viewed from above, looking into the pan, frizzen on the right.
This time the barrels are at least pointing away from the user, so he is well-placed to riddle his dining partner with four shots. The actual knife and fork sections fold backwards. Nothing known about date or place of manufacture, or mental state of the maker.
Actually, you could shoot anyone sitting at the table simply by holding your forearm up vertically, so the handle would point in their direction.
It would take a bit of getting used to, but not that difficult after a little practice.
I was cleaning my spoon when it suddenly went off.
She can at me with a spoon. I had no choice.
Adds a new dimension to the phrase ‘death by fork’
Mind your manners!
Table manners must have been a serious issue back then.
That last piece of pecan pie is to die for.
Gives new meaqning to the saying “shooting your mouth off.....”
“For the last time...pass the gravy!”
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GGG managers are SunkenCiv, StayAt HomeMother & Ernest_at_the_Beach | |
Thanks DogByte6RER. |
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Oh yeah? Well, fork you! Blam!
I want to sell it to finance my kids education. (Translation: I need more money to blow in the casinos.)
OK, well I have a buddy who is an expert in 18th Century flintlock cutlery weapons, let me give him a call . . .
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